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In Perú , like in few other countries
, nature has brought together an enormous variety of
landscapes , climates and ecosystems , that range from
coastal deserts to Amazonian exuberance , and include
the diversity of micro-climates of the different floors
and valleys of the Andes mountains. In this mix of
landscapes , there is a combination of races and
cultural contributions which is manifested in a
diversity of expressions such as a culinary art of
exceptional variety. This natural diversity and the
country's important cultural and historic heritage make
Perú an extremely interesting destination for tourists.
Generally, Perú has been known for the rich legacy left
by the pre-Hispanic cultures throughout its territory.
Thus , the two great points of the country have
important archaeological discoveries at their centers.
The tourist axis of the south has as its center the city
of Cusco (see page 3) , the ancient capital of the Incas
, considered the archaeological capital of South
America. In effect , the ruins of Machupicchu (see page
4) are the country's main tourist attraction. In the
city of Cusco , as in no other other place , the
complexity of the hybrid culture borne from the fusion
between Spanish and Inca can be appreciated. Also famous
are the Nasca lines , immense geometric drawings left in
the southern coastal desert by ancient cultures. Their
purpose remains a mystery for archaeologists. In
southern Perú there are also natural attractions such as
Lake Titicaca , the highest navigable Lake in the world
, located in the department of Puno , or the Colca Cañon
, in the department of Arequipa , the world's deepest
canyon - the Colca river runs 3400 meters below - ,
famous for its rapids, and its terrace system ,
constructed by the Collaguas , ancient inhabitants of
the region and specially for the presence of condors.
The tourist axis of the north has received renewed
attention lately with the recent discovery of Tomb of
the Lord of Sipan - comparable in richness and artistic
quality to that of the Egyptian pharaoh Tutankhamon.
This discovery has generated enormous international
interest not only because of the treasures extracted ,
but also because the pieces enclosed in this pyramids
shed light on the Mochica culture , which developed in
the northern coastal valley of Perú between the first
and the fourth centuries AD. The north of Perú also has
the citadel of Chan-Chan , one of the largest "adobe mud-clay
citadels in the world ; and beautiful beaches , like
summer resort of Punta Sal , Máncora and Capo Blanco -
famous among lovers of Merlin fishing and one of Ernest
Hemingway's favorite spots - where sunshine and
tranquility are guaranteed year- round. Perú has
important attractions for the adventure tourist and the
eco-tourist as well . The number one destination for
this type of destination is the Amazon jungle region ,
with Puerto Maldonado and Iquitos as the main points of
attraction. The exuberance of the Amazonian jungle
offers the possibility to becoming familiar with an
unexplored paradise where the flora an fauna are
protected by a system of national parks , among the most
important of which is Manú National Park. This park is
designed to maintain the ecological balance of the
region. They offer the tourist the opportunity to became
familiar with this area , thereby creating awareness of
the importance of preserving nature for the good of
humanity. |
